South West flood warning

A flood warning has been issued for the weekend. Image by @courtbembridge.

People in Bunbury, Preston River, Busselton, Margaret River and Blackwood River catchments should prepare for possible minor flooding expected this evening and over the coming days. .

There is no immediate danger but you need to keep up to date in case the situation changes.

The Bureau of Meteorology advised a cold front is expected to reach the South West corner on Friday evening and move across the south of the state on Saturday.

A series of cold fronts moving over South West WA were expected to follow over the weekend and into early next week, one reaching the South West corner Saturday evening followed by another, stronger cold front expected to arrive Sunday evening.

Recent rainfall over the past week has caused river rises in the South West, and further rainfall associated with the passage of the cold fronts this weekend is expected to result in renewed river rises and areas of flooding in the South West.

What to do

DFES advises you to:

Prepare to relocate equipment and livestock early so they are not caught in floodwaters.

Prepare an emergency kit including enough canned food and water to last for four days, as well as clothing, important documents and medication.

Fill your vehicle's fuel tank.

Watch for changes in water levels so you are ready if you need to evacuate

Never walk, swim or play in floodwaters, as they are dangerous.

Stay out of rivers, this includes no swimming or kayaking.

Do not park or camp adjacent to rivers.

If driving

Be careful at crossings and floodways as river levels may rise rapidly.

Obey road closure signs and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.

Take care on gravel and unsealed roads as they may be slippery and muddy, and you could get bogged.

Carry extra food and water when travelling in case of long delays at crossings.

Road closures

Some roads may be closed due to rising flood waters.

Road information may also be available by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visiting mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting your local Shire.

Flood details

Current river levels are available from Department of Water at water.wa.gov.au